Middlesex Water Company (MSEX)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
MSEX
Middlesex Water Company
$51.93
-1.48%
UTILITIES · Cap: $969.58M
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.27
+1.66%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.64B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essential Utilities Inc generates 1182% more annual revenue ($2.55B vs $199.11M). MSEX leads profitability with a 22.1% profit margin vs 21.8%. WTRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.59. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
MSEX
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-24.5%
Fair Value
$41.54
Current Price
$51.93
$10.39 premium
Margin of Safety
+45.6%
Fair Value
$68.87
Current Price
$37.27
$31.60 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 29.3%
Strong operational efficiency at 36.1%
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 23.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MSEX
The strongest argument for MSEX centers on Profit Margin, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.1% and operating margin at 29.3%.
Bull Case : WTRG
The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.8% and operating margin at 36.1%.
Bear Case : MSEX
The primary concerns for MSEX are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MSEX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.78 — expect wider price swings.
WTRG is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — sustainability is the question.
MSEX generates stronger free cash flow (-9M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 21.8% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Middlesex Water Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
Middlesex Water Company owns and operates regulated water and wastewater utility systems. The company is headquartered in Iselin, New Jersey.
Visit Website →Essential Utilities Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
Essential Utilities, Inc. operates regulated utilities that provide water, wastewater, or natural gas services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER Stocks
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